- CAF returns to profitability in the 23/24 financial year after money challenges, marking a major turnaround for African football’s governing body.
- The continental football governing body recorded a net profit of USD 9.48 million.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a remarkable financial turnaround under the stewardship of its president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, marking a significant moment in the organisation’s recent history.
The announcement came during the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo where CAF revealed that it had returned to profitability after years of financial losses.
According to CAF’s financial report for the 2023–2024 financial year, the continental football governing body recorded a net profit of USD 9.48 million, the first time it has achieved such results in several years.
The report also indicated that CAF’s total revenue increased to USD 166.42 million, largely boosted by new sponsorship deals, increased television rights income and stricter financial controls introduced since Dr. Motsepe took office.
When Patrice Motsepe assumed the presidency in 2021, CAF was struggling with mounting financial deficits, ongoing legal disputes and a lack of sustainable funding structures.
One of his first major initiatives was a comprehensive financial reform plan aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability. The results of that plan are now being seen both in the books and on the pitch.
CAF has also made significant progress in redirecting its spending toward football development. The organization allocated USD 81 million toward prize money, USD 19 million for tournament organization, USD 35 million to football development projects and USD 21 million to governance and administration.
This approach has been part of Motsepe’s commitment to ensuring that CAF’s revenue growth directly benefits clubs, players, and Member Associations across the continent.
“We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important. All the money goes into football development,” said the president.
Prize money increased as CAF returns to profitability
A major highlight of the financial growth has been the steady rise in prize money across all CAF competitions. The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners now receive USD 4 million, a 60% increase, while teams participating in the CAF Confederation Cup are entitled to USD 100,000 at the preliminary stages.
“We give USD 100,000 to each club that does not qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. It is not enough but helps with transport and other things,” he added.
The CAF Women’s Champions League winners’ prize has also been increased by 52% to USD 600,000, and the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winners now earn USD 1 million, double the previous amount.
“What member associations get has doubled. We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa.” said President Motsepe.
In men’s national competitions, the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) prize pool rose to USD 10.5 million, while the AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 winners received USD 7 million, a 40% increase.
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These adjustments are a clear indication of CAF’s commitment to raising the financial standards of African football and rewarding excellence at all levels.
The number of CAF’s official partners and sponsors has grown to 16, including global brands such as TotalEnergies, Puma, Visa, Orange and Royal Air Maroc among others, underscoring the growing commercial appeal of African football.
President Motsepe’s tenure has brought renewed optimism within CAF and among African football stakeholders. The organization’s financial recovery is viewed as the foundation for long-term success, with emphasis now placed on infrastructure development, youth football and professionalization of clubs and leagues across the continent.
CAF’s return to profitability, after years of deficits, represents a financial success story and also a symbolic step toward restoring confidence in African football governance.